Turkey burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to beef burgers, but they can be a bit trickier to cook. Unlike beef, which can be cooked to different degrees of doneness, turkey must be cooked all the way through to ensure it is safe to eat. This means that turkey burgers can sometimes be dry and overcooked if not cooked properly.
So, how long should you cook turkey burgers? The answer depends on a few factors, including the thickness of the burgers, the cooking method, and the desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time by Thickness
- 1/2-inch thick burgers: Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- 3/4-inch thick burgers: Cook for 7-9 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- 1-inch thick burgers: Cook for 9-11 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Cooking Method
- Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a thin layer of oil and heat until shimmering. Add the burgers and cook for the desired amount of time, flipping once halfway through.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat (350°F). Place the burgers on the grill and cook for the desired amount of time, flipping once halfway through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the burgers on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Desired Level of Doneness
- Medium-rare: 145°F internal temperature
- Medium: 160°F internal temperature
- Medium-well: 165°F internal temperature
- Well-done: 170°F internal temperature
It is important to note that the cooking times provided are just estimates, The actual cooking time may vary depending on the factors mentioned above, It is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the burgers are cooked to the desired temperature,
Tips for Cooking Juicy Turkey Burgers
- Use ground turkey with a higher fat content (at least 85% lean). This will help to keep the burgers moist and juicy.
- Add moisture to the burger mixture. This can be done by adding ingredients such as grated onion, bread crumbs, or mayonnaise.
- Don’t overmix the burger mixture. Overmixing can make the burgers tough.
- Form the burgers into patties that are slightly larger than the size of your bun. This will help to prevent the burgers from shrinking too much during cooking.
- Don’t press down on the burgers when you are cooking them. This will squeeze out the juices and make the burgers dry.
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the burgers more tender.
Cooking turkey burgers doesn’t have to be difficult. By following the tips above, you can cook delicious and juicy turkey burgers that your whole family will enjoy. Just remember to cook them all the way through to 165°F and you’ll be sure to have a safe and delicious meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook turkey burgers on the grill?
A: Yes, you can cook turkey burgers on the grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat (350°F) and cook the burgers for the desired amount of time, flipping once halfway through.
Q: Can I bake turkey burgers in the oven?
A: Yes, you can bake turkey burgers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the burgers for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: What is the best way to tell if a turkey burger is done?
A: The best way to tell if a turkey burger is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger and make sure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: What should I serve with turkey burgers?
A: Turkey burgers can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Some popular options include lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and french fries.
Q: Can I freeze turkey burgers?
A: Yes, you can freeze turkey burgers. Form the burgers into patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the burgers for 2-3 hours, or until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the burgers to a freezer-safe bag or container. Turkey burgers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I reheat frozen turkey burgers?
A: To reheat frozen turkey burgers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, cook the burgers according to the instructions above.
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
A: Yes, you can use ground chicken instead of ground turkey. However, ground chicken is leaner than ground turkey, so you may need to add a little extra moisture to the burger mixture.
Q: Can I use bread crumbs instead of breadcrumbs?
A: Yes, you can use bread crumbs instead of breadcrumbs. However, bread crumbs will make the burgers a bit more dense.
Q: Can I use mayonnaise instead of Dijon mustard?
A: Yes, you can use mayonnaise instead of Dijon mustard. However, Dijon mustard will add a bit more flavor to the burgers.
Q: Can I use Worcestershire sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce?
A: Yes, you can use Worcestershire sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce. However, Worcestershire sauce will add a bit more savory flavor to the burgers.
Q: Can I use garlic powder instead of garlic?
A: Yes, you can use garlic powder instead of garlic. However, fresh garlic will add a bit more flavor to the burgers.
Q: Can I use onion powder instead of onion?
A: Yes, you can use onion powder instead of onion. However, fresh onion will add a bit more flavor to the burgers.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
A: Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs. However, fresh herbs will add a bit more flavor to the burgers.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of cheese. However, cheddar cheese is a classic choice for turkey burgers.
Q: Can I use a different type of bun?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of bun. However, hamburger buns are a classic choice for turkey burgers.
Q: Can I use a different type of side dish?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of side dish. However, french fries are a classic choice for turkey burgers.
Q: Can I make turkey burgers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make turkey burgers ahead of time. Form the burgers into patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the burgers for 2-3 hours, or until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the burgers to a freezer-safe bag or container. Turkey burgers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I reheat turkey burgers that have been frozen?
A: To reheat frozen turkey burgers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, cook the burgers according to the instructions above.
Q: Can I make turkey burgers in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make turkey burgers in a slow cooker. Place the burgers in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: Can I make turkey burgers in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can make turkey burgers in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the burgers for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: Can I make turkey burgers on a Blackstone griddle?
A: Yes, you can make turkey burgers on a Blackstone griddle. Preheat the griddle to medium heat (350°F) and cook the burgers for the desired amount of time, flipping once halfway through.
Additional Tips
- Make sure that the grill or skillet is hot before you start cooking the burgers. This will help to sear the burgers and prevent them from sticking.
- Don’t flip the burgers too often. This will make them dry and tough.
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the burgers more tender.
- Serve the burgers with your favorite toppings and sides.
Enjoy!
Turkey Burger Filling options
Sliced tomatoes, red onions, cheddar cheese, pickles, and a dollop of mayonnaise or ketchup on top are the tried-and-true classics. However, you can also vary it up by adding caramelized onions, bacon, and avocado slices.
- Serve up a classic turkey burger. Take your preferred store-bought buns (you can toast them if you’d like) and top with your preferred burger toppings.
- Prepare a lettuce wrap turkey burger: These are genuinely just as tasty for those of us who are gluten-free or simply seeking a healthier choice. In addition, it’s a naturally low-carb meal! To prepare the lettuce “buns,” core and cut a head of lettuce into quarters. Use a few lettuce leaves to encircle the burger by using them as the top and base.
- Create a turkey burger bowl by layering leafy greens with avocado slices, pickled red onions, and cherry tomatoes (or any other veggies you like). You can also enjoy the patties as a source of protein for a salad or bowl that is high in vegetables. You could even add tzatziki or chipotle sauce on top!.
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can substitute a small amount (roughly half) of tamari soy sauce.
- Add finely chopped onions or shallots to the patty to enhance its flavor. You can also use dried thyme, rosemary, onion powder, or any other seasoning you like to change up the herbs and seasonings!
I’ve cooked a ton of these patties using this recipe, and I’ve never had any of them fall apart when using 2093% lean ground turkey. However, the next time, you can try incorporating an egg and some almond flour into the mixture if your patties start to crumble.
Yes, definitely! This is a great grilling recipe for burgers in the summer. Because they are typically softer than other burger patties, proceed with caution when placing them on the grill and turning them over.
- To store in the refrigerator: If kept in an airtight container, these patties will keep for three to four days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze the patties in advance: I like to double the recipe and freeze the leftovers for a later time. To do this, place the cooked patties on a baking sheet and freeze them first. After that, arrange them with parchment paper between them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare the raw turkey burgers ahead of time and refrigerate them if you choose to do so. Simply stack the patties on top of one another with parchment paper between them and store them in an airtight container.
How To Make Turkey burger patties
Make the patties. Using your hands, combine the ground turkey, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Then, divide the mixture evenly to form 4 large patties. Flatten the patties a little to prevent them from being overly tall and dense. Plus, they do shrink quite a bit when cooking!.
Cook the patties. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Cook the patties for about five minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a golden brown color. Turkey patties must be cooked through, as opposed to beef patties. If you’d like, you can see if they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F by using an instant-read thermometer.
